Woods named to new UMES leadership post

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (Sept. 23, 2013) - Walter W. Woods has been appointed by UMES President Juliette B. Bell to the newly created position of Coordinator for Outreach and Strategic Initiatives.

Woods moves into a new role at his alma mater from the Office of Alumni Affairs, which he joined in 2006 as its assistant director. He reports to Kimberly C. Dumpson, who hired him initially and is now the university's Executive Vice President.

A 1991 University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate, Woods' helped shape an aggressive 21st-century strategy for building alumni affinity and keeping graduates engaged with their alma mater.

Drawing upon that experience, Woods will support the administration's efforts in building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the community and help strengthen the university's town and gown relationships in the region.

Dumpson said Woods' new role will provide a foundation for ideas and projects Dr. Bell wants UMES to pursue in raising its visibility as well as burnishing its reputation as a top-tier institution.

Woods has a broad spectrum of experience working in government and in non-profit posts.

He was a program analyst in the Federal Highway Administration's Universities and Grants Programs. His background working for non-profits included positions with the YMCA and YWCA, and the Greater Cleveland Area Boy Scouts Council. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Woods was a Virginia Carter Smith Scholarship recipient in 2007-08, one of 20 awarded by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

He holds a Master of Arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and is completing work at UMES on his doctorate in organizational leadership.

"Once a Hawk always a Hawk," Woods is fond of saying.

"I said when I hired Walter that he understands first-hand the value of a UMES education and the benefits of maintaining a long-term relationship with the university," Dumpson said. "I am excited to work with him again in this new role and know that his passion for the university, coupled with strategic and logistical skill, will help us meet Dr. Bell's goal of increasing the university's engagement in the community and improving relationships with key partners as the university moves from excellence to eminence."

Woods has two daughters, Jessica and Xaniya. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.